The First Nudie Musical

I just got done watching this movie about an hour ago. To be clear, this is not my kind of movie. I wanted to see something different, and this sounded interesting. In fact, I hadn't even heard of it. To its credit, this was certainly original and different. For starters, I've never seen so much hair in my life! (I was born in 1979, so it's before my time) All kidding aside, I applaud them for such originality; a porno musical called "Come, Come Now" would surely sell tickets. I did laugh when she said "We ran out of film" during the 'stunt cock' scene. I also thought it was funny when John came to the set a changed man; before, he was so uptight and inexperienced, then wow! What I didn't like were all the stereotypes. The stuck-up actress Mary LaRue, the ingenue, the Polly Pure girl from Indiana, and that Brenner character are tired characters these days. If you like musicals, and you like sex in your musicals, you'll like this movie. Keep an open mind and enjoy.

Pornographic filmmaker Stephen Nathan (as Harry Schechter) is seeing red instead of pink. You didn't come to see his "Stewardesses in Cages" and "Teenage Sex Mutants". Consequently, Mr. Nathan's low-budget sex films aren't making money, and the movie studio he manages for his father is about to go down. Telling his investors, "genitalia is boring" at the box office, Nathan is inspired by steadfast secretary Cindy Williams (as Rosie) to change direction, and proposes "The First Nudie Musical". One investor (Hy Pyke) insists wet-behind-the-ears nephew Bruce Kimmel (as John Smithee) be hired as director; and Nathan is given two weeks to create... "Come… Come, Now".

This astounding, and frequently hilarious, film patterns its pornographic plot after Mel Brooks' similar stab at a Nazi musical in "The Producers" (1968); additionally, "The First Nudie Musical" captures the spirit and energy of old Hollywood musicals both directed by Busby Berkeley, and starring Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland. That fresh, irreverent energy is why this film works so well. Full-frontal nudity (female and male) and bad language abound - an "edited-for-television" version would have been short 'n silent in the seventies - but, the vulgarity never seems dirty. Lesser comedies use nudity and language offensively and humorlessly - for examples, see present day comedies.

Paramount Pictures had a "midnight movie" classic on its hands, but had to give the film a cold shower after both Cindy Williams and the studio's "Laverne & Shirley" TV series became immediate hits. To Paramount's credit, they employed fellow "Nudie" travelers Bruce Kimmel (writer, composer, co-director, star) and Stephen Nathan ("Jesus" from Broadway's "Godspell") as guest stars on their program(s). And, it's easy to see why, as the threesome are obviously natural (and underrated) comics. Of the supporting cast-mates, Diana Canova (as Juanita) obviously stands out, due to a combination of heritage, "Perversion", and "Soap" - but, they are all cult classic characters.

********* The First Nudie Musical (3/76) Mark Haggard, Bruce Kimmel ~ Stephen Nathan, Cindy Williams, Bruce Kimmel, Diana Canova

I found a copy of this film used for only $6, and since I'm into weird crap, I figured this should be good for a few laughs - and it was!!! The idea of a producer making a porno musical to save his studio is funny enough, but the songs are what make this film worth watching. "Dancing Dildos" "Orgasm" "Lesbian Butch Dyke" "Perversion" "Let Me Eat You" - you'll laugh your ass off! And sing a 'scale' or two also

This movie should define the genre, with nudity and predictable plot but done in a way that the nudity is not the major theme, only spice. It would be worth watching without nudity, though it would not be as entertaining. If you like movies with stereotypical characters and lots of nudity, this is the one. You will not be disappointed with the acting, music. or technical quality except for the smoke filled first ten minutes where the effects are overdone.

This is a really good movie, except it should have ended when the character "John" visits "Wanda's". Everything after this appears to be an attempt to end without purpose. When the sale is made, quit talking. It is really good until this point, which is about 1:15 into the film.

Highly recommended. Just skip the last 15 minutes.

I've been waiting twenty years for this thing to come to some free streaming service. And now it's on tubi. Cindy williams (shirley!) and stephen nathan. When they are out of ideas, harry decides to make a porn based musical. Silly but true. Funny opening theme song. Lots of full female frontal and rear nudity. The director they have to use has no idea what he's doing. And they only have two weeks to make it. The show already has two strikes against it. It's just started, and it's already a disaster. But some really funny bits. And filthy filthy songs. Very adult subject matter, so put the kiddies to bed! Diana canova doing some of the dirtiest material you've ever seen her do! It's all silly, but so much fun. Keep those expectations at rock bottom, but have an open mind and get ready to laugh. Story by bruce kimmel, who also plays john smithee in the show. Directed by mark haggard.